How the Digital Equity Act Cancellation Affects Your Community

In May 2025, millions of Americans woke up to news that would change their digital futures overnight. President Trump announced the immediate termination of the Digital Equity Act, calling it "unconstitutional" and cutting off $2.75 billion in funding that was designed to bridge the digital divide in communities across the nation.

For many readers, the policy details may seem distant. But the impact? It's hitting neighborhoods, schools, and families right now.

What Just Happened?

The Digital Equity Act wasn't just another government program—it was the most comprehensive effort in U.S. history to ensure everyone could participate in our increasingly digital world. Passed with bipartisan support in 2021, it provided funding for three critical areas:

• Device access: Getting computers, tablets, and smartphones to families who couldn't afford them

• Digital skills training: Teaching people how to navigate online job applications, telehealth appointments, and school portals

• Affordable internet: Helping communities access high-speed broadband

States like Illinois had already distributed over 1,400 devices and hosted more than 4,300 digital skills training classes. Georgia was launching an AI literacy program specifically for underserved communities. Nevada was set to receive $9.2 million to expand access to devices and technical support.

All of that stopped on May 9th, when the National Telecommunications and Information Administration sent termination letters to grant recipients nationwide.

Why This Matters to You

If you've ever struggled to help a parent video call their doctor, watched a student do homework in a McDonald's parking lot for free WiFi, or seen a neighbor miss out on job opportunities because they couldn't navigate online applications, this affects your community directly.

The numbers tell the story: Families who are historically marginalized and underserved are disproportionately affected by the digital divide, and approximately 25% of adults in low-income households lack reliable internet access. These aren't statistics—these are your neighbors, your community members, your fellow Americans.

The Bigger Picture: Digital Access as a Right

This isn't just about politics or policy preferences. The role of technology and the importance of access to high-speed broadband have become glaringly obvious during the COVID-19 pandemic. High-speed internet became a lifeline for:

• Students attending virtual school

• Workers keeping their jobs remotely

• Seniors accessing telehealth safely

• Families staying connected during isolation

When we pull away programs that help people get online, we're not just limiting their access to technology—we're limiting their access to opportunity, healthcare, education, and economic mobility.

What Resorso Believes

At Resorso, we believe digital agency isn't a luxury—it's a necessity for full participation in modern society. While federal programs come and go with changing administrations, the need for digital empowerment remains constant.

The cancellation of the Digital Equity Act makes our mission more urgent than ever. We're committed to helping you understand not just what technology can do, but how to access it, use it safely, and leverage it to improve your life, regardless of what's happening in Washington.

Moving Forward Together

While this setback is significant, it's not the end of the story. Community organizations, libraries, nonprofits, and local initiatives continue to work together to bridge the digital divide. Many states are exploring ways to continue their digital equity work with state funding or alternative resources.

What you can do right now:

1. Connect with your local library—many offer free computer access, WiFi, and digital literacy classes

2. Check for community technology centers in your area that provide device access and training

3. Contact your representatives to express how digital equity programs impact your community

4. Stay informed about alternative resources and programs that may emerge

The fight for digital equity isn't over—it's just taking a different path. And Resorso will be here to help you navigate it every step of the way.